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Friday, July 23, 2010

Arsenal striker Eduardo has completed his move from Arsenal to Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee believed to be in the region of £6million - with the clubs due to announce the move this week.

The striker, whose Gunners career has stalled since he suffered a career-threatening injury in February 2008, has agreed personal terms and has passed a medical.

Croatian international Eduardo was not included on the 27-man list of players to go to Arsenal's training camp in Austria this week so he could finalise the terms of his move to the Ukraine.

And his international manager Slaven Bilic has revealed the Brazilian-born hitman sought his council, as well as that of Croatian team-mate and Shakhtar skipper Darijo Srna, before agreeing the move.

More: Arsenal transfer news and rumours

"I spoke with Eduardo. He was very pleased with the move to Shakhtar. He is going to a strong league," said Bilic.

"This season they will once again play in the Champions League, have many difficult matches and this is excellent for the national team.

"The captain of Shakhtar is Srna, in the team there are a lot of Brazilians, so I have no doubt that Eduardo will quickly adapt to Donetsk."

Meanwhile Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said he "expects a lot" from his new signing.

"Yes, he had a serious injury and we are aware of the risk," he said.

"But at the same time we realise he can give a lot to Shakhtar."

Among the 27 players to go to Austria with the Gunners was goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who has been linked with a move away from the club after missing the first pre-season friendly against Barnet at the weekend.

However, Arsene Wenger has since confirmed this was because of an illness and he has since travelled with the squad, which also includes young prospects Conor Henderson and Emmanuel Frimpong.

World Cup finalists Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are still on holiday, but are expected to return to the club later this month.